Herbie Murray
Sleep training is the process of teaching your baby to fall asleep by themselves. While there is no perfect age for sleep training, it is recommended that babies should be around 4-6 months old before sleep training is attempted. However, this may vary depending on the baby's development and weight. For example, if your baby needs to gain weight, you might need to continue night feeding even during or after sleep training. There are several methods of sleep training, including the cry it out method, the pick up, put down method, and the fading method. Each method may take a few tries, and it is important to be prepared for changes as your baby grows older.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age to start sleep training | 4-6 months old |
| Time taken for sleep training | 3-7 nights |
| Sleep training methods | "Pick up, put down", "longer and longer" or "cry it out", "fading", "modified CIO", "no-cry" |
| Sleep duration | 10-12 hours of overnight sleep and 2-3 hours of daytime sleep |
| Bedtime | 7:00-8:00 pm |
| Daily routine | Wake windows of 4-6 hours, one long nap, bedtime routine, quality time with parents |
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What You'll Learn
- The Ferber method, also known as the 'cry it out' method, involves letting your toddler cry for three minutes before popping your head in to check on them
- The pick up, put down method, also called the fading method, involves staying in the room with your toddler until they fall asleep but gradually giving them more independence
- Night weaning is when your toddler eats their meals during the day so they no longer need to wake up to eat during the night
- Creating a bedtime routine that is the same each night can help to ground your toddler and prevent bedtime battles
- The special passes method involves having a family meeting to discuss bedtime rules and providing special passes that allow your toddler to call on you during the night
The Ferber method, also known as the 'cry it out' method, involves letting your toddler cry for three minutes before popping your head in to check on them
The Ferber method, also known as the "cry it out" method, is a form of sleep training developed by the pediatric sleep expert Dr. Richard Ferber. It is considered a gentler form of the traditional "cry it out" method, as it lets parents check in on their toddler at timed intervals.
The Ferber method involves placing your toddler in their crib while they are still awake and then leaving the room. If they start crying, you let them cry for three minutes before popping your head in to check on them and to let them see that you haven't left them. You can soothe your toddler with soft words and gentle touches, pats, or rubs. However, you should not pick them up or feed them, and your visits should only last a minute or two.
The Ferber method is based on behavioral theory's principle of extinction, which aims to eliminate a previously enforced behavior. In this case, the behavior being eliminated is the child's association of crying with receiving attention from their parents. By gradually increasing the time intervals between check-ins, the Ferber method teaches toddlers to fall asleep independently and self-soothe.
The Ferber method can be applied to both nighttime sleep and naps, but keep in mind that naps may take longer to improve. It is recommended to start sleep training with the Ferber method when your toddler is between 4 to 6 months old, as this is when they are developmentally capable of self-soothing and sleeping through the night without eating. However, it can be used for toddlers up to 2 years old, though the older the child, the harder it may be for them to adjust.
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The pick up, put down method, also called the fading method, involves staying in the room with your toddler until they fall asleep but gradually giving them more independence
Sleep training, also known as sleep teaching, is the process of teaching your baby or toddler to fall asleep by themselves. The "pick up, put down" method, also called the fading method, is a technique that involves staying in the room with your toddler until they fall asleep but gradually giving them more independence.
To begin, play strong white noise in your toddler's room and sit quietly next to their crib or bed. If your toddler fusses or cries, pick them up to soothe them, but then return them to their crib before they fall asleep. Repeat this process as needed until your toddler settles down. Once they are calm, place them back in their crib and leave the room again. If they continue to protest, add two minutes to your wait period each night before re-entering the room, gradually increasing their independence.
The "pick up, put down" method is considered a gentle approach to sleep training, as it teaches toddlers to self-soothe without feeling abandoned. It can take a few weeks for this method to work, as it is a slower and more gradual process that involves significant parental involvement. However, with consistency and perseverance, it can be successful in helping your toddler fall asleep independently.
It is important to note that sleep training is generally recommended for toddlers between the ages of 9 and 18 months, but it can also be effective as they continue to age. Additionally, it is advised to consult with a pediatrician to determine if your toddler is ready for sleep training and to ensure that all caregivers are on board with the chosen method.
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Night weaning is when your toddler eats their meals during the day so they no longer need to wake up to eat during the night
Night weaning is a critical aspect of sleep training for your 20-month-old toddler. It involves ensuring that your toddler eats their meals during the day so that they no longer need to wake up to eat during the night. This approach helps your child develop a healthy sleep pattern and improves their overall well-being.
To effectively night wean your toddler, you can implement the following strategies:
- Offer More Daytime Feedings: Encourage your toddler to eat more during the day. You can do this by offering meals and snacks at regular intervals and ensuring they are nutritionally balanced. This will help ensure your child is getting enough calories and nutrients during the day, reducing the likelihood of them waking up due to hunger at night.
- Create a Positive Bedtime Routine: Establish a calming and consistent bedtime routine that does not include feeding. A soothing routine can help your toddler relax and prepare for sleep. For example, you could include activities such as reading books, taking a warm bath, or listening to soft music.
- Gradual Reduction of Night Feedings: If your toddler is still having night feedings, gradually reduce the amount they drink over time. For example, you can decrease the volume of milk by 20-30 ml every second night. This gradual approach allows your child to adjust and ensures they are still getting adequate nutrition.
- Offer Comfort and Reassurance: Your toddler might wake up at night seeking comfort or attention. Offer comfort measures such as a back rub, cuddles, or a drink of water. You can also explain to your toddler that eating happens during the day, and at night, it's time to sleep. You can say something like, "When the sun goes down, num nums go night-night, too."
- Address Any Underlying Issues: Keep in mind that toddlers might increase night nursing due to various factors such as illness, teething, or developmental changes. If you notice any signs of illness or discomfort, address those issues accordingly. Additionally, ensure your toddler is getting enough calories and nutrients during the day to rule out hunger as a cause for night wakings.
Remember, night weaning should be done in a way that is sensitive to your child's needs and developmental stage. It is always recommended to consult with your paediatrician or healthcare provider to ensure that night weaning is appropriate for your child's specific circumstances.
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Creating a bedtime routine that is the same each night can help to ground your toddler and prevent bedtime battles
Creating a bedtime routine that is the same each night can help to ground your 20-month-old toddler and prevent bedtime battles. A consistent bedtime routine can give your toddler a sense of security and help them understand what to expect as they wind down for sleep.
Start with a calming activity: Begin the bedtime routine with relaxing activities such as a warm bath, reading books, or listening to calming music. These activities can help signal to your toddler that bedtime is approaching and allow them to transition from playtime to sleep time.
Establish a consistent schedule: Try to maintain a consistent bedtime and wake-up time, even on weekends. This will help regulate your toddler's internal clock and make it easier for them to fall asleep and wake up at consistent times. Aim for a bedtime between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm, as this tends to be the ideal range for 20-month-old toddlers to fall asleep and stay asleep during the night.
Create a relaxing sleep environment: Make sure your toddler's bedroom is comfortable and conducive to sleep. You can use blackout curtains to block out any unwanted light, and white noise or soft instrumental music can help block out external noises and provide a soothing backdrop for sleep.
Incorporate special rituals: Include special bonding activities in your bedtime routine, such as telling stories, singing lullabies, or giving extra hugs and kisses. These rituals can help strengthen your connection with your toddler and make bedtime a positive and enjoyable experience for both of you.
Use a bedtime routine board: Consider creating a visual bedtime routine board, especially if your toddler is starting to understand visuals and routines. This board can include pictures or illustrations of the different steps in the bedtime routine, such as brushing teeth, putting on pajamas, and reading a book. This will help your toddler understand the sequence of activities and make them feel more involved in the process.
Remember, every toddler is unique, and you can adjust the bedtime routine based on their individual needs and preferences. Be patient and consistent, and don't be afraid to make adjustments until you find what works best for your little one.
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The special passes method involves having a family meeting to discuss bedtime rules and providing special passes that allow your toddler to call on you during the night
Sleep training is a process of teaching your toddler to fall asleep by themselves. There are several methods to sleep train your 20-month-old toddler, and one of them is the "special passes" method.
The "special passes" method involves having a family meeting to discuss bedtime rules and providing special passes that allow your toddler to call on you during the night. This method is perfect for toddlers who frequently get out of bed or call for you at bedtime. During the family meeting, it is important to explain to your toddler that everyone needs to sleep so that they can be happy and play the next day.
Each night, your toddler will receive a pass (also known as a bedtime ticket) that allows them to leave their room and make one request, such as an extra hug, a drink of water, or a story. If they do not use their pass, you can offer a small reward the next day. This method is fun, non-threatening, and effective, and it can help your toddler sleep independently without crying. It also avoids the "extinction burst," which is a temporary worsening of behaviours that can occur with other sleep training methods like the cry-it-out approach.
The "special passes" method is a great way to provide your toddler with reassurance and set clear boundaries around bedtime. It is important to be consistent with your sleep training approach and remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. You may need to try different methods to find the one that works best for your family.
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Frequently asked questions
At 20 months, toddlers should be getting 12-14 hours of total sleep in a 24-hour period, with 10-12 hours of overnight sleep and 2-3 hours of daytime sleep. A bedtime routine that is the same each night can help your toddler know what to expect. A consistent bedtime routine might include a bath, brushing teeth, reading stories, and listening to calming music. You can also try "earning" quality time with parents, where toddlers can trade in time with their parents at night for extra time during the day.
One method is the pick up, put down method, where you stay in the room with your toddler until they fall asleep but gradually give them more space and independence over time. Another method is the fading technique, where you sit in a chair next to your child's crib or bed and gradually move the chair farther away each night until you're out of the room.
The cry it out method, also known as the Ferber method, involves letting your toddler cry for a few minutes before popping your head in to make sure they're okay. This method may not be suitable for all parents. Another method is night weaning, which is when you transition your toddler away from waking up in the evening to feed. This method is safe as long as your toddler is healthy and at an appropriate weight.
